1. The Government of Japan is disappointed with the reported position taken by the LTTE, with regard to its participation in the Tokyo Conference on Reconstruction and Development of Sri Lanka, scheduled on 9-10 June, 2003.

2. This Conference is a ministerial-level meeting bringing together a large number of countries and international organizations, and its preparations have already advanced to a high level, thanks to laborious efforts by the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and the UN System.

3. Mr. Yasushi Akashi, Representative of Government of Japan, explained to the leadership of the LTTE, in their meeting on the 7th of May, that the Conference is intended to provide a unique and precious opportunity, in which the international community would express its unified and strong commitment to reconstruction and development of the entirety of Sri Lanka, particularly of the war-torn North and East, with a view to accelerating the peace process.

4. It is recalled, in this connection, that, during his recent visit to Sri Lanka, Mr. Akashi had in-depth discussions with the Prime Minister of the Government of Sri Lanka regarding the specific concerns expressed by the LTTE.

5. Given these reasons as well as the momentum being generated in the international community to help the entirety of Sri Lanka, in particular the North and East, the Government of Japan believes it most appropriate to hold the Tokyo Conference as scheduled with active participation of both the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE.

6. The Government of Japan ardently hopes that the LTTE will reconsider its position promptly so as not to miss this opportunity.